Book About Service Dogs Needs Your Stories

5/15/2009

Let your voice be heard! Kathy Nimmer, a blind high school English teacher and writer from Indiana, has launched an international effort
to gather true stories of people with disabilities and their servie
dogs, to be included in an anthology that Nimmer will seek to publish
in the mass market commercial publishing industry. The project,
entitled "Two Plus Four Equals One," will celebrate what happens when
two hands plus four paws combine for one magical union. The web site,
http://www.servicedogstories.com, has been set up to promote the
project, receive prospective submissions, gather contact info from
individuals who have worked with service dogs in any capacity, and
field inquiries about the book.

Nimmer, now working with her third guide dog, wants to hear from you.
Start thinking of incidents involving you and your dogs, things that
were funny, scary, surprising, disappointing, empowering, sad, or
simply memorable. The book will include nonfiction stories,
anecdotes, tributes, and poetry. Explanations and samples of the four
genres can be found on the web site. And, you don't have to be a
seasoned writer to take part! There is an interview option where
Nimmer will talk with you and write something for you about your dog
experiences. Submissions will be accepted for consideration through
September 30, 2009.

For purposes of this project, "service dogs" are any canines trained
to assist people with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or
in wheelchairs, as well as those with other medical conditions including
(but not limited to) autism, epilepsy, and muscular or balance
impairments. Nimmer is hoping to hear from people with disabilities, as
well as those who have raised or trained service dogs, or simply witnessed
service dogs in action. If you fit into any of these categories, it is
time to let your voice be heard!

As members of the disability community, you are the best resources for
the dissemination of information about this book that Nimmer is hoping will
change public perceptions of the disabled and their working dogs, so
spread the word!

Go to http://www.servicedogstories.com or contact Kathy Nimmer with questions or suggestions at mailto:kathy@servicedogstories.com